Government says most will work through the strike action

The Government says it is expecting most schools to open and most public sector workers to stay at work during Thursday's industrial action.

A spokesperson for the Cabinet Office said: “The vast majority of dedicated public sector workers did not vote for today’s action, and early indications are that most are turning up for work as usual.

“We have rigorous contingency plans in place, services appear to be working well. and we expect most schools and job centres to open their doors."

“It is disappointing that, once again, some union leaders have pushed for strike action that will achieve nothing and benefit no one. Union leaders have relied on mandates for action that lack authority – the National Union of Teachers ballot was run nearly two years ago, while other ballots had extremely low turnouts.”